The Hepatoprotective Effect of Acalypha wilkesiana Muell Arg. Leaves on some Biochemical Parameters in Wistar Albino Rats

The effects of Acalypha wilkesiana leaves on biochemical indices in wistar albino rats were studied. Activity of total Protein and bilirubin (direct and indirect bilirubin) in the serum were determined colorimetrically, while lipid peroxidation products, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), were measured in liver homogenate. Histopathological studies of the liver of test and control animals were also, carried out. Rats in group1 were fed with 100% food and administered CCL4, while those in groups (2, 3 and 4) were pretreated with 10%, 30%, and 50% of dried leaves of A. Wilkesiana respectively. Rats in group5 were pretreated with 30% A. wilkesiana without administration of CCL4 (positive control), while rats in group6 were fed with 100% food without CCL4 administration (general control). The CCL4 administered (0.5 ml/kg body weight in 0.5 ml olive oil intraperitoneally) on the 28th day of study caused significant increases (p< 0.05) in the levels of biochemical indices (malondialdehyde, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin and indirect bilirubin), only the total protein levels significantly decreased (p< 0.05), when compared with the controls. Pre-treatment of rats with 10% and 30% A. wilkesiana resulted in significant decreases (p< 0.05) in the levels of these biochemical indices, only the levels of total proteins significantly increased in a dose dependent manner. These biochemical indices also significantly increased in rats group 4 pretreated with 50% A. wilkesiana when compared with the controls. Histopathology of the liver showed reduced level of injury in pretreated rats while; those not pretreated were presented with varying degrees of injuries. The study suggests that at low doses, A. wilkesiana possess hepatoprotective ability, while it could be hepatotoxic at high doses.